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Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained—April 02, 2017—
We hope that you are all doing well in 2017. There are many changes and ventures that we are pursuing this year in Mercy Touch!
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Paying it Forward—November 23, 2016—Every year during Christmas, we “pay it forward” by blessing those outside of our usual reach. This year we will launch "Operation Touch of Mercy".…
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Expanding the Ministry—July 05, 2016—So far, 2016 is one of our busiest years to date! As the ministry continues to expand, so do the activities and projects. We have…
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Starting Off 2016!—March 16, 2016—
Our year has been off to a busy, but eventful start! Read our newsletter for more info.
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Concluding 2015!—November 04, 2015—
An update of another eventful year at Mercy Touch!
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Who's who

Bernard Mukwavi
President Mercy Touch Mission International

Bernard Mukwavi

Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

Bernard Mukwavi and his wife Anne founded Mercy Touch Mission International in 2001. They are currently serving in full time ministry and work in Canada. Anne and Bernard were born and raised in Zambia. With their family they left Zambia, worked in Holland, and eventually came to Canada. It was after a visit back to their homeland that Bernard and Anne realized how bad circumstances had become with the onset of HIV/AIDS, disease, and immense poverty. They saw a huge problem with the growing numbers of orphaned and vulnerable children.

Bernard and Anne decided to do something to help these children. They went out and got donations, used what little money they had, rented a house, and took in some orphans. They started with 4 children, and today Mercy Touch has over 30 children sponsored within the homes; and by God's provision the number is increasing. Mercy Touch also sponsors children within the community and runs other programs mentioned on the website as well.

Contact:

info@mercytouch.net

Jean Ponde
Child Care Manager Mercy Touch Mission International

Jean Ponde

Ndola, Zambia

Jean is working as the Child Care Manager for Mercy Touch. She oversees that the children’s educational, medical, and other needs are being met. Jean has a wealth of experience in this field as she has worked in a similar position in the past. She is full of new ideas and has fit in great with our team. She loves the vision of Mercy Touch and works hard to ensure that the children are provided with a child-friendly environment.

Contact:

Sandra Banda
Child Care Assistant Mercy Touch Mission International

Sandra Banda

Ndola, Zambia

Sandra Banda works as the Child Care Assistant. She works alongside Jean in this area. Sandra has a heart for vulnerable and orphaned children and youth. She is especially passionate in the area of education and works toward ensuring that the children are learning to the best of their ability, so that they can achieve a high level of education. Sandra has creative ideas and has been a great asset to our team. She has been serving with Mercy Touch for a couple of years.

Contact:

Daniel Musukwa
Farm Supervisor Mercy Touch Mission International

Daniel Musukwa

Ndola, Zambia

Daniel joined Mercy Touch in 2012. He is working as the farm supervisor. He has a passion for farm work and enjoys cultivating the land. He is very knowledgeable in the area of farming. He is kind and very hard working. Daniel enjoys reading the Bible and other spiritual literatures.

Contact:

Mary Sichula

Ndola, Zambia

​Mary volunteers as the feeding program coordinator for the weekly feeding program. She oversees the community volunteers that work under her and ensures that the program is running smoothly. Mary is a registered nurse by profession and she brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources to the ministry.

Contact:

Regina Miti
Housemother Mercy Touch Mission International

Regina Miti

Ndola, Zambia

Meet our longest serving housemother, Regina Miti. Regina joined Mercy Touch in 2001. She joined because she knew she had a calling to look after orphaned and vulnerable children. She is the housemother for the current boys’ home. She is also very involved in running the weekly feeding program for malnourished and underweight babies and toddlers. She connects well with women in the surrounding community. Regina likes singing, knitting, and baking.

Contact:

Josephine Chimba

Ndola, Zambia

Josephine joined Mercy Touch in 2004. She works as an assistant housemother alongside Regina Miti. Josephine is a very hard worker. She has a heart to help people and does so every day. She is very hospitable and loves to welcome newcomers. Her hobbies are singing and she enjoys working.

Contact:

Grace Namwila
Housemother Mercy Touch Mission International

Grace Namwila

Ndola, Zambia

Grace is serving as the housemother for the Oil of Joy girls' home. Grace has been a great asset to Mercy Touch as it is evident that she really has a mother’s heart. She loves to serve God and is willing to help where she is needed. Grace enjoys worshiping and praying. She is very hospitable and loves to serve and welcome people. Grace has a caring heart and we are confident in her as a housemother.

Contact:

Lydia Maila
Housemother Mercy Touch Mission International

Lydia Maila

Ndola, Zambia

Lydia Maila is one of the housemothers for the new girls’ home. She joined Mercy Touch in early May, 2013 because she has a heart for orphaned and vulnerable children in Zambia. She heard about the position from an elder in the church and applied. Her hobbies are singing, meeting new people, and spending time with loved ones. Lydia is always welcoming and very hospitable. She has past experience working with children. She most certainly has a mother’s heart and has connected well with the new girls. She often dances and sings with the girls.

Contact:

Rosemary Phiri
Housemother Mercy Touch Mission International

Rosemary Phiri

Ndola, Zambia

Rosemary joined Mercy Touch as an assistant housemother alongside Lydia Maila in April. She loves children and has a heart to take care of those that are in need. She likes gardening and listening to gospel music. Rosemary is a very hard worker. She loves to cook and take care of the children. She also enjoys singing and dancing with them.

Contact:

Moses Chiluba
Ministry Government Liaison

Moses Chiluba

Moses Chiluba has been serving with Mercy Touch voluntarily for many years now. He has served in different capacities over the years. Moses currently volunteers as the ministry government liaison. Although Mercy Touch is a non-governmental organization, there are still some tasks that require NGO to government interaction. Moses has been very helpful in advising, as well as overseeing and carrying out such tasks so that Mercy Touch can run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Contact:

Nataizya Mukwavi

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

​Nataizya Mukwavi has had a lot of experience working with Mercy Touch in a variety of areas. Her passion for women and young girls led her to launch our current Girl Project. This project helps us sponsor marginalized young women in the surrounding rural community to go to school. On top of that, Nataizya has served in Mercy Touch by helping at the feeding program, ministering to women and youth, and also with various administration tasks. She has served in different capacities past and present. Currently Nataizya is volunteering as the child sponsorship coordinator for Mercy Touch.

Contact:

info@mercytouch.net

Sandra Butters
Goodwill Ambassador Mercy Touch Mission International

Sandra Butters

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

My name is Sandra Butters and I am an Ambassador for Mercy Touch Mission International. I first became involved with Mercy Touch Mission seven years ago when I saw a picture of a little girl in a client’s office. I asked about her and she said she was her foster daughter in Zambia. She explained that she fostered a child with a small grassroots organization called Mercy Touch Mission International. At the time, I hardly even heard of Zambia and I certainly couldn’t find it on a map. I did my research and found that Mercy Touch Mission International was started by Dr. Bernard and Anne Mukwavi.

When I first started going to Zambia it was a real eye opener for me. I had travelled all over the world and off the beaten track, but had never encountered poverty such as I had seen in Zambia. You all have seen the World Vision Commercials on Television. They are hard to watch, right? ...Well I was one of the people that would change the channels.

When I visited the villages from where our kids had come from it looked just like a world vision commercial...But there was one difference that I had not expected. These people were happy. It was not a problem, these people were not waiting around for someone to “save” them or make this world better. These people had nothing and yet what little they did have they shared with others. They were very thankful for the little that they had. The people had a truly amazing spirit. I have met so many people who were barely surviving and yet they took in other family members in need. Mercy Touch is something I am very passionate about and I look forward to what the future holds for Mercy Touch.

Contact:

(780) 964-5355
(780) 483-0141
info@mercytouch.net

John Clarke
Goodwill Ambassador Mercy Touch Mission International

John Clarke

Meriden, Connecticut , USA

I met the Rev. Dr. Mukwavi in 2000 while we were attending Providence College and Theological Seminary. Bernard spoke eloquently about the needs of children in Zambia and his absolute determination to do something about their plight. The following year I was able to raise $2500 in seed money from my congregation at the First Congregational Church of Stratford Connecticut, USA. That began a continual connection between that church and the church I later came to pastor, the First Congregational Church of Meriden, Connecticut, USA. Since my retirement in 2012 that mission connection has continued and remains strong. The work that Bernard, Anne, and all the other dedicated people who minister with Mercy Touch do, remains a constant reminder of the power of Jesus Christ to do all things well!

Contact:

info@mercytouch.net

Mark Fodor
Goodwill Ambassador Mercy Touch Mission International

Mark Fodor

Beverwijk, The Netherlands

As a member of the church here in the Netherlands that Bernard planted with his friends in the 90s, I’ve seen Mercy Touch Mission being established and grow to be a life changing place for precious lives. This year Bernard asked my friend and I Hans to take care of Mercy Touch here in the Netherlands. I was glad to say yes. I know the impact we make in those children’s lives. These lives are not only changed into meaningful, hopeful, and restored lives; but these children also get to know Jesus Christ - the greatest hope of all. He is the true comforter, their true friend, and Saviour.

When we know deep in our hearts that Jesus loves us intensely and wants to take care of us, it sets us free from being selfish and too focused on our own problems in life. His love for us makes us realize that we have everything and that we are called to help and bless others; to give and not to hold back - To be generous like Jesus.

As a daily job I work as an Electrical & Instrumental Engineer at an oil & gas company. I love my job, but I would rather work fulltime for God; which I trust He will make possible.

If you live in the Netherlands and want to be involved in helping, or have any questions - you are welcome to contact me through e-mail or telephone.

Contact:

Artrell Williams

Buffalo, New York, USA

I had no idea what to expect when I first met the children of Mercy Touch. I heard about the organization through the Mukwavi Family and got involved because I recognized the passion and purpose that was always communicated when they spoke of the organization. Over the years, I had seen images of Africa in pictures and videos, and those images were my only point of reference about Africa. As I prepared for the experience, I wanted to keep an open mind and not really set prejudgments or expectations about the experience. I am so glad that I did.

My brothers and sisters in Zambia were welcoming from the time we arrived at the farm. I realized at that moment that the images I had seen before were only 2-dimensional images, but arriving there immediately provided me with a multi-dimensional, full-sensory experience. One of the feelings that I couldn’t have anticipated was the joy that I received from being around the people.

Though the people on the farm and in the villages did not have access to the same luxuries that we use every day, they were still much happier than most people that I meet in the States. At first, it was a challenge for me to not have access to my mobile phone, or the internet or even cable TV, but by the third day, I barely missed them.

Another pleasant surprise to me was the level of talent within the group of children at the farm. Firstly, all of them were at least bilingual and many were multilingual. There were also singers, dancers, musicians, football players (soccer to my American friends) and even an amazing architect. I learned as much from them as they learned from me, if not more and I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to go there. I left a piece of myself there and a piece of each person I met will always be with me.

I am so proud of my Mukwavi family and the things that they have done with Mercy Touch and I hope to be able to give back to them some portion of what they have given to me. Mercy Touch serves as a beacon of faith and hope for so many others and I pray that they continue to be blessed as they have been a blessing to others.

Contact:

info@mercytouch.net

Mwaka Williams
Goodwill Ambassador Mercy Touch Mission International

Mwaka Williams

Buffalo, New York, USA

Contact:

Shelley Kozachenko

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

With growing up in South Africa, Africa has always been a part of me, but I was forever changed because of my first trip to Zambia and meeting the children at Mercy Touch homes. Each of these kids have so much potential and what a waste it would be if they weren’t given the opportunity to become the best they could be.

Despite coming from such sad circumstances and not having much of their own, I love that they all dream big. I can’t think of a more important cause than to give a child hope, a possibility, and love. That’s what I see Mercy Touch Mission doing. It’s making a difference in each of these wonderful kids lives and the surrounding communities.

When as a human you choose to close your eyes to the suffering and hardship of others, you choose to let a little part of you die. Sometimes, literally, someone dies because we don’t take the time to look. I believe we all have moral obligations to help when we can. I want the kids I know in Zambia to know that they matter, and because they do, I will do whatever I can to help. My life is richer because of them.

Contact:

Jason Finkbeiner

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

My name is Jason Finkbeiner and I am an Ambassador for Mercy Touch Mission International. I am a project manager for a commercial construction company in Edmonton and I am also a member of the Canadian Forces.

I first became involved with Mercy Touch in the fall of 2011 when I joined the mission trip to Ndola. Earlier that year I had spent a holiday with Sandra Butters where she had described the work that she was involved in overseas in Zambia. I had no idea where Zambia was, but I could sense by her love and passion for Mercy Touch that this was something I wanted to be a part of.

It was extremely overwhelming the first time I went to Zambia – the evident need for help, poverty, the sad stories heard from almost everyone. But it did not take long to see the signs of hope, love, and smiles from the children of Mercy Touch. It instantly warmed the heart to see that Mercy Touch was in fact making a difference.

I have now been over to Ndola several times and have been involved in many activities including renovating an old school house and washroom facility on the farm, building bunk beds from scratch for the new houses, community visits to local villages, assisting with the feeding program, and most of all spending time with the Mercy Touch children. Each time I go over, I look forward to the never ending hugs, sports, swimming, reading & homework with the kids, and listening to their stories about life.

I had no idea that being a part of Mercy Touch would affect me the way it has. It has been and continues to be a life changing experience, and truly reflects in the way I am now on a day-to-day basis. Not a day goes by that I don’t spread the word and speak about the work we are doing overseas and the difference we are making with the children of Zambia; not to mention showing pictures of my sponsor child. Each time I come home I can’t wait to return and work on the next project, knowing that every bit we do is really making a difference.

Contact:

(780) 991-2435
info@mercytouch.net

Kathryn Seib
Goodwill Ambassador Mercy Touch Mission International

Kathryn Seib

Airdrie, Alberta, Canada

I am a born and raised Canadian who loves kids, traveling, new cultures, and seeing God at work. I was first introduced to Mercy Touch Mission International through its founder Bernard Mukwavi in 2003. An initial visit early in 2004 became the foundation for various levels of involvement over the last 10 years. I am now thrilled to say that Mercy Touch and the people it comprises of are not only my friends but also a part of my family.

Why I am passionate about and involved with Mercy Touch has to do with several core beliefs that I have. I believe that God has promised to be a father to the fatherless. I believe that we can and need to be the hands and feet of that promise. This becomes my joy and mission to be a part of the reality of that in the world. I believe that what Mercy Touch is doing not only reflects of the heart of God but is also a part of His solution. Mercy Touch has afforded me the privilege to be a small part in this greater picture. I count it one of my greatest honours to be involved and have had the opportunity to walk alongside a child and be a mother, sister, or a friend.

I also believe in relationships. Relationships with God and with others. This is a value that Mercy Touch holds very dear. It was through relationship that I was introduced and came to be more deeply involved. This is also one of the greatest assets and experiences that we can offer in Mercy Touch. It does not matter in what way one finds themselves involved; as a child needing to be loved and cared for, or as an ambassador, sponsor, caregiver, or friend with extra love to give. Relationships become the vehicles to great things. Through involvement with Mercy Touch I appreciate the openness, practicality, and commitment to relationship.

It is with great excitement that I look to the future as we join hands to journey together. I hope that if you have not already, you will consider joining with us.

A religion that is pure and stainless according to God the Father is this: to take care of orphans and widows who are suffering, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.– James 1:27

Contact:

(403) 945-6112
info@mercytouch.net

Fra Sands
Goodwill Ambassador Mercy Touch Mission International

Fra Sands

Newry, Northern Ireland

Hi, my name is Fra Sands. I am Irish and have just recently come back from spending 5 months in Africa.

I first heard of Mercy Touch while studying in Canada. Bernard Mukwavi (founder) was one of my lecturers at the school that I was attending. A few years later I became a part of Bernard's church in Vancouver for a year, and had the chance to see how Mercy Touch was growing and developing into a self sustaining blessing to the land of Zambia. It was during this time that I sought to see how I could some way be a part of this great work.

Bernard is one who is a father to many. He has personally been a huge encouragement to me over the years and I know that through Mercy Touch he is portraying the father heart of God to many who would otherwise never have known it. I am excited to see what God does in the lives of the kids who pass though this ministry. As I read some of the letters I have received, its so great to see that the kids are dreaming big for their lives and many desire to go out and be the blessing of God to others though their gifting.

Contact:

Tom & Mel Milaney

Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

My name is Tom, and my wife Mel and I have been involved with Mercy Touch since 2007. My wife and my daughter, Carissa were truly blessed when they had the opportunity to go as short term missionaries to Zambia back in 2007. Although I have not been there myself I have been touched by what Mercy Touch International has been doing faithfully, since 2001: caring for children whose parents died, who might otherwise have been forsaken and left to provide for themselves. Many of these children were homeless and as young as 5 years old.

I truly have been blessed by how I have seen the children that Mercy Touch has rescued from a very uncertain and impoverished life, to a life of hope and a feeling of belonging to a family who cares for and loves them; and helps them to grow up knowing firstly that there is a God whom they can trust. Knowing that He loves and cares for them deeply and He will never forsake them. In God we entrust our hope to see that Mercy Touch will be there for all who need a place to call home and that they will find love and the spirit of God that binds us all to a life worthy of the greatest sacrifices of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who died for all of us to save us all.

So, If in some small way my family and I can give back our fruitful blessings and abundance to those at Mercy Touch then my family are the ones who are truly privileged and blessed to be a part of making a difference in this world, and to bring the Good News that there is a God and He Loves all of us! May God Bless Mercy Touch International and all who strive to make difference in this world for the Glory of God. To God be the Glory!

Contact:

Georgina Finkbeiner

Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada

My name is Georgina Finkbeiner and I am an Ambassador for Mercy Touch Mission International.

I first heard about Mercy Touch in 2011. My husband Brian and I were travelling with our dear family friend Sandra Butters; who told us about her involvement with Mercy Touch. We had previously supported other organizations to sponsor children in developing countries but were unsure of their commitment.We decided to find out more about this grass roots organization, Mercy Touch, and see what we could do.

In November of 2011, my husband Brian and son Jason travelled with Sandra and her mission team to Zambia. Upon their return they were quite impressed with the work being done and the values of the organization. In April of 2012, Brian and I joined the mission team in Zambia. It was a trip I will never forget!

I have travelled to numerous countries where poverty is quite evident, but to meet first hand and spend time with these Zambian children, community families, and house moms was overwhelming; and one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. They were so loving, happy and appreciative of even the smallest gesture made to them. Even though they have nothing they have the biggest smiles and all the love to give. Their hugs just melt my heart.It was so hard to leave.

I returned home and could not stop talking to friends, family, and whoever I met about Mercy Touch and the wonderful work they do. I have since approached our church who has become very involved with Mercy Touch.

I returned to Ndola, Zambia in April 2014. I came home with a real sense of understanding of how people can go to another county and become missionaries. The work that Mercy Touch has done and will continue to do for the orphaned children and the community around Ndola is so heartwarming. I find it harder to leave each time I go. Many of the Zambian people are so happy and yet have no material goods compared to Western society. They have the love and support of each other and their faith to keep them going.What a powerful message.

I am so proud to be part of this wonderful organization, Mercy Touch International.

Contact:

(780) 498-6164 or 464-6753
info@mercytouch.net

Marilyn Moseley
Goodwill Ambassador Mercy Touch Mission International

Marilyn Moseley

Langley, British Columbia, Canada

Contact:

(604) 617-4485
info@mercytouch.net

Michele Ross
Goodwill Ambassador Mercy Touch Mission International

Michele Ross

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Contact:

(403) 813-3561
info@mercytouch.net

Katelyn Duncan
, Goodwill Ambassador

Katelyn Duncan

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

I was first introduced to the Mercy Touch organization by Dr. Mukwavi while he was living in Regina in the early 2000’s. Dr. Mukwavi had told my sister and I that the ministry had purchased a farm along with the children's home in Zambia, and suggested we visit the farm one day. Although excited and fascinated by the idea, I was unsure if I would ever get the opportunity to visit. However, 5-6 years later, I realized that the time had come for me to visit the farm, and learn about food production in Zambia.

I spent three weeks working on the Mercy Touch farm, with the Mercy Touch children, the feeding program, and the Girl Project program in February 2016. I was so inspired by all of the children, the house mothers, and the community that surrounds the Mercy Touch farm. Mercy Touch is a sustainable organization that is improving the quality of life for children in Zambia, and providing opportunities for future success.

I am excited to be an Ambassador for Mercy Touch in Regina. I hope to improve the awareness of this organization in the Regina community, and ensure that support for Mercy Touch continues to be able to provide a supportive and loving environment for the children in the homes. I also hope to ensure that the Mercy Touch farm has the resources it needs to continue to provide nutritious food for the Mercy Touch kids and the surrounding community.